The Protected Area Office(PAO) is headed by a Park Superintendent (PASu) under the direct supervision of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer. Implementation of the provisions of DAO 45 went smoothly since the PAO has developed very close linkages with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR PENRO). On June 6, 2000, the DENR Secretary signed DAO 45 S. 00, which amends the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the NIPAS Law (DAO 25 Series of 1992). The new DAO has defined the powers and functions of the Protected Area Superintendent in relation to the other DENR units.